It’s not an official color run, but it promises to be just as much fun according to Great Bend High School Future Business Leaders of America members.
The students are planning the colorful fun run in conjunction with Great Bend Regional Hospital’s annual Human eMotion event on June 15.
“We are doing our best to make it as exciting and fun as the trademarked event,” said Cody Lee, FBLA sponsor.
“We have business sponsors who have assisted us in paying for the color and the hospital has been an amazing partner in working with us. The hospital added the color-run option to help support our kids.”
Lee explained that the fund raiser will help pay for 10 high school members to travel to national FBLA competition in Anaheim, Calif., this summer.
Human eMotion combines walking, running and bicycle riding events in different distances. All races have staggered start times beginning at 7 a.m. Those who do not preregister may do so on race day from 6-7 a.m.
“We want the community to support this wonderful cause,” Lee said. “Color runs are very popular right now and you don’t have to be a runner to participate. In fact, many people participate for the mere excitement and fun of the event.
People who choose to walk the event will still sign up for the color run, she said. There is a separate two-mile walk that does not include color for those who do not wish to be colorful at the end of the event.
“Basically, you can walk and/or run the 5K and at every kilometer a color will be tossed at the runners and walkers,” Lee said. “There is a different color at every kilometer and everyone gets a free bag of color for the end-of-the-race celebration.”
The color does mostly wash out after the event, she noted. It is made of a mixture of tempera powder paint and cornstarch.
“As with anything dirty, the sooner you wash it the better,” Lee said. “We suggest wearing items that you wouldn’t mind getting colorful. If you would like to preserve the color in your running shirt, spray it with vinegar and iron it. If you wash your shirt the color will eventually come out.  
“We will have air blown color cleaning at the finish line,” she said. “With a good dusting off, you aren’t 100 percent clean, but you are totally good for the drive home. It will actually be pretty fun to see people still colored up around town after the event. It is like a badge of honor!”
Pre-register for the event by signing up online at www.usd428.net or www.gbregional.com.
Money raised at Human eMotion will help support FBLA and the Family Crisis Center.